Betty June Cowgill

WWII Veteran, Betty June Cowgill passed away on May 31, 2024 at the age of 102. She was born October 7, 1921 to the late Leo and Cecil (Mills) Stephens. Betty was raised on a farm in Tipton County with a brother, Junior Stephens, deceased and a sister, Marjorie Stephens, deceased. Her young sister, Gloria Mae was stillborn. Betty attended Kempton High School and graduated with the class of 1940. On June 26, 1943 Betty enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard SPARS until the duration of WWII December 14, 1945. She was stationed at Biloxi, MS as Store Keeper 2/c receiving her honorable discharge from the SPARS. She then completed her business education in Kokomo, Indiana which she began while in the service. Betty married Orla (Jerry) Charles Cowgill on December 8 1948. Jerry was a widower with three daughters: Sharon 8, Clar Adele 6 and Barbara 3 years old. On May 31, 1950 Betty and Jerry welcomed a daughter, Betty Darlene. Betty spent her time raising her four daughters with school events, 4-H, sewing, gardening and church work. Betty and Jerry were sponsors for their church's youth group for a few years. Betty also taught Sunday school and worked with the Lutheran Church Ladies. She had an unshakable faith. She also retired from SEARS in 1988 after 30 years of employment. Betty lost her husband, Jerry in 1978, her oldest daughter, Sharon Fleissner in 1979 and her biological daughter, Betty Darlene Foshee in 2008. She then took up sewing for other people and quilting. Each grandchild and eight great-grandchildren received a quilt from her. She also made 250 lap quilts for people in a Nursing Home in Kokomo. She made items in memory of her loved ones for "We Care" at Christmas time for their auction. When moving to an Assisted Living Facility she gave her doll collection to "We Care". In 2016 at the age of 94 Betty went on the Honor Flight out of Indianapolis. Each year she attended their annual get together until they had to shut down because of Covid. Betty's 100th birthday was celebrated on October 9, 2021 at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Kokomo. She had been a member of the church since 1948. Betty was given a plaque honoring her service from Captain Amy M. Beach who served during that time as a Commander, Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley in Louisville, Kentucky. Being a WWII veteran in the U.S. Coast Guard she later received an invitation to the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard's Change of Command Retirement Ceremony on June 1, 2022 in Washington D.C. Because of Health reasons she was not able to attend. Betty Cowgill is survived by her two daughters, Clar Adele (Lee) Coy and Barbara (Otis) Porter; grandchildren, Dean Coy, Kimberly Coy, Tawahna (John) Voils, Michael Bridegroom, Christina (Jim) Moore, Jennifer (Brian) Beaver, Steve (Jennifer) Cowgill. Two grandchildren died shortly after birth, Jana Lee Coy and Keith Collin Coy. There are two step-grandchildren, Donna Folsom and Tony Porter and one deceased. She also has seven surviving great-grandchildren and two deceased, plus 4 surviving step-great-grandchildren and two deceased. Betty is also survived by several great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will take place at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Funeral services will take place at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 E. Southway Blvd, Kokomo on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11:00 am. In Lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran School or the charity of your choice. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.